Local chef leads culinary trek around the globe

Residents have seen his recipes at area grocery stores. Over the next four months, they'll have a chance to see him live, as Publix chef Wes Bonner leads a series of cooking demonstrations at the Delray Beach Public Library.

Bonner will teach guests new recipes each month through April.

Two dozen library patrons showed up for the Dec. 15 tour of Asia, in which Bonner discussed the continent's culinary history and showed how to create three kinds of sushi from scratch, while also providing a recipe for red curry beef. Afterward, he gave out coupons to Aprons Cooking School – a Publix offering – and a calendar of events for the school. The chef also fielded questions during the free one-hour program.

"I thought he was interesting," library patron Jane Campbell said.

Bonner prepared a sushi recipe that he said "works 100 percent of the time."

"At the Aprons Cooking School, we offer a 'Sushi 101' class," he said. "Everyone wants to take it."

At the library, which is located at 100 W. Atlantic Ave., Bonner showed patrons how to make three different types of sushi: nigiri, tamaki and maki.

"Rice is the major part of sushi," Bonner said. "The rest is really up to you and what ingredients you want to experiment with."

The sticky rice seemed to be the most difficult part, so Bonner offered patrons a few tips for handling it. Even so, the rice stuck to virtually everything on the cutting board.

Bonner will preview more classes over the next four months. On Jan. 19, he will give an overview of the African continent while discussing fresh yogurt and regional dishes.

On Feb. 16, library patrons will have a chance to explore the cuisine of Europe, and on March 15, Bonner will whisk foodies away on a tour of South America. The grand finale will take place April 19, when North America is featured with recipes for barbecue sauce and meat rubs.

For more information on the Aprons Cooking School, call Wes Bonner at 561-994-4461 or email wes.bonner@publix.com. For further information on the Lecture and Cooking Demonstration Series at the Delray Beach Public Library, call 561-266-9490.